Use of a commercial organic product to control the black weevil (Aclees sp. cf. foveatus) of the fig tree

A new alien parasite, Aclees sp. cf. foveatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is causing considerable crop losses and deaths in many Italian fig (Ficus carica L.) tree nurseries and orchards and it is quickly spreading in central Italy. The adult and larval stages of this weevil are closely related to the fig tree. To date, no phytosanitary products are registered for fig against this insect, so if this pest is not systematically managed, fig trees could be decimated. A commercial organic product, LaserTM, widely used on other crops, was used to assess its effectiveness on the adult stage of this weevil. In the first trial, the concentration recommended on the label for other fruit trees was used and compared with the control (only water), while in the second trial a comparison between the label concentration and the half was tested. Mortality of the adults was recorded in the following 3-4 days after treatment. A very high adult mortality was recorded when LaserTM was applied, even at lowest concentrations, and damages (erosion) on the sycons were strongly reduced compared to the control. The tested commercial product is very effective in controlling this pest and can represent a possible solution by significantly reducing the adult population.